In most States, the professional degree in architecture must be from one of the 113 schools of architecture that have degree programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). However, State architectural registration boards set their own standards, so graduation from a non-NAAB-accredited program may meet the educational requirement for licensing in a few States. Three types of professional degrees in architecture are available through colleges and universities. The majority of all architectural degrees are from 5-year Bachelor of Architecture programs, intended for students entering university-level studies from high school or with no previous architectural training. In addition, a number of schools offer a 2-year Master of Architecture program for students with a preprofessional undergraduate degree in architecture or a related area, or a 3- or 4-year Master of Architecture program for students with a degree in another discipline.

The choice of degree depends upon each individual’s preference and educational background. Prospective architecture students should consider the available options before committing to a program. For example, although the 5-year Bachelor of Architecture program offers the fastest route to the professional degree, courses are specialized, and if the student does not complete the program, transferring to program offered by another discipline may be difficult. A typical program includes courses in architectural history and theory, building design, structures, technology, construction methods, professional practice, math, physical sciences, and liberal arts. Central to most architectural programs is the design studio, where students put into practice the skills and concepts learned in the classroom. During the final semester of many programs, students devote their studio time to creating an architectural project from beginning to end, culminating in a three-dimensional model of their design.

Many schools of architecture also offer postprofessional degrees for those who already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in architecture or other areas. Although graduate education beyond the professional degree is not required for practicing architects, it may be for research, teaching, and certain specialties.

High school students interested in a career in architecture should take courses in English, history, art, social studies, mathematics, physics, and computer science. Students should also visit the design studio of a school of architecture or tour the offices of a local firm. In addition, many schools of architecture offer summer programs for high school students.

Architects must be able to communicate their ideas visually to their clients. Artistic and drawing ability is helpful, but not essential, to such communication. More important are a visual orientation and the ability to conceptualize and understand spatial relationships. Good communication skills, the ability to work independently or as part of a team, and creativity are important qualities for anyone interested in becoming an architect. Computer literacy also is required for writing specifications, for two- and three-dimensional drafting, and for financial management. Knowledge of CADD is helpful and will become essential as architectural firms continue to adopt that technology. Recently, the profession recognized National CAD Standards (NCS); architecture students who master NCS may have an advantage in the job market.

All State architectural registration boards require a training period before candidates may sit for the ARE and become licensed. Most States have adopted the training standards established by the Intern Development Program, a branch of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). These standards stipulate broad and diversified training under the supervision of a licensed architect over a 3-year period. New graduates usually begin as interns in architectural firms, where they assist in preparing architectural documents or drawings. Some States allow some of the training to occur in the offices of related professionals, such as engineers or general contractors. Architecture students who complete internships in architectural firms while still in school can count some of that time toward the required 3-year training period.

Interns may research building codes and materials or write specifications for building materials, installation criteria, the quality of finishes, and other, related details. After completing the on-the-job training period, interns are eligible to sit for the ARE. The examination tests candidates’ knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the design and construction of buildings. Nine critical areas are covered. Candidates who pass the ARE and meet all standards established by their State board are licensed to practice in that State.

Several States require continuing education to maintain a license, and many more States are expected to adopt mandatory continuing education. Requirements vary by State, but usually involve the completion of a certain number of credits every year or two through seminars, workshops, formal university classes, conferences, self-study courses, or other sources.

A growing number of architects voluntarily seek certification by the NCARB, which can facilitate an individual’s becoming licensed to practice in additional States. Certification is awarded after independent verification of the candidate’s educational transcripts, employment record, and professional references. Certification is the primary requirement for reciprocity of licensing among State Boards that are NCARB members.

After becoming licensed and gaining experience, architects take on increasingly responsible duties, eventually managing entire projects. In large firms, architects may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some architects become partners in established firms; others set up their own practices. Graduates with degrees in architecture also enter related fields, such as graphic, interior, or industrial design; urban planning; real estate development; civil engineering; and construction management.

Alabama Architecture Schools
Herzing College (Birmingham, AL) - Architecture Programs, Public Safety and Law Enforcement, Computer Sciences, Engineering Technologies, Architectual Engineering
ITT Technical Institutes (Birmingham, AL) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Birmingham, AL

Arkansas Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Little Rock, AR) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Little Rock, AR

Arizona Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Tucson, AZ) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Tucson, AZ

California Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Anaheim, CA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Anaheim, CA
ITT Technical Institutes (Lathrop (Modesto-Stockton), CA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Lathrop (Modesto-Stockton), CA
ITT Technical Institutes (San Bernardino, CA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in San Bernardino, CA
ITT Technical Institutes (San Diego, CA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in San Diego, CA
ITT Technical Institutes (West Covina, CA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in West Covina, CA
ITT Technical Institutes (Rancho Cordova, CA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Rancho Cordova, CA
ITT Technical Institutes (Oxnard, CA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Oxnard, CA
ITT Technical Institutes (Sylmar, CA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Sylmar, CA
ITT Technical Institutes (Torrance, CA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Torrance, CA
NewSchool of Architecture - San Diego, CA
Westwood College of Technology (Anaheim, CA; Inland Empire, CA; Long Beach, CA) - Architecture Design, CAD / Architectural Drafting, Computer Programming and Software Technology, CAD, Architectural Drafting
Academy of Art College - San Francisco
Western Career College - (California locations including - Fremont, Emeryville, San Jose, Walnut Creek) - Architectural Design Drafting, Computer-Aided Drafting

Colorado Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institute - CAD Drafting Program, Computer Drafting and Design
IntelliTec Schools - Colorado Springs
Westwood College of Technology - Denver North - Architecture Design, CAD / Architectural Drafting, Computer Programming and Software Technology, CAD, Architectural Drafting
ITT Technical Institutes (Thornton, CO) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Thornton, CO

Connecticut Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institute - CAD Drafting Program, Computer Drafting and Design
Porter and Chester Institute (Enfield, CT, Stratford, CT, Watertown, CT, Wethersfield, CT)

Florida Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Tampa, FL) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Tampa, FL
ITT Technical Institutes (Fort Lauderdale, FL) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Fort Lauderdale, FL
ITT Technical Institutes (Jacksonville, FL) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Jacksonville, FL
ITT Technical Institutes (Lake Mary (Orlando), FL) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Lake Mary (Orlando), FL
ITT Technical Institutes (Miami, FL) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Miami, FL
ATI Career Training Center FtLauderdale - Drafting and Computer-Assisted Design
ATI Career Training Center Miami - Graphic Design
Herzing College - Florida
The Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) - Architecture & CAD, Residential Design
Southwest Florida College - Computer Aided Drafting and Design

Georgia Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Duluth, GA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Duluth, GA

Idaho Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Boise, ID) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Boise, ID

Illinois Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Burr Ridge, IL) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Burr Ridge, IL
ITT Technical Institutes (Matteson, IL) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Matteson, IL
ITT Technical Institutes (Mount Prospect, IL) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Mount Prospect, IL
Harrington College of Design (Chicago, IL) Architectural Firm Consulting, Residential and Commercial Interior Design, Furnishings, Product and Service Marketing, Hotel and Restaurant Design, Adaptive Reuse of Existing Facilities, Corporate Space Planning, Kitchen and Bath Design
ITT Technical Institute - CAD Drafting Program, Computer Drafting and Design
Westwood College of Technology - O'hare - Architecture Design, CAD / Architectural Drafting, Computer Programming and Software Technology, CAD, Architectural Drafting
Westwood College of Technology - River Oaks - Architecture Design, CAD / Architectural Drafting, Computer Programming and Software Technology, CAD, Architectural Drafting

Indiana Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Newburgh, IN) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Newburgh, IN
ITT Technical Institutes (Indianapolis, IN) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Indianapolis, IN
ITT Technical Institutes (Fort Wayne, IN) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Fort Wayne, IN
The Art Institute of Indianapolis (Indianapolis, IN) - Architecture & CAD, Residential Design

Kansas Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institute - CAD Drafting Program, Computer Drafting and Design
Vatterott College (Wichita) - Computer-Aided Drafting & Graphic Arts, Mechanical, Residential & Commercial CAD, AutoCAD application, Illustration, Design, & Layout, 3D Graphics

Kentucky Architecture Schools
Louisville Technical Institute, KY - Computer Aided Design Drafting, (Architectural or Mechanical), Computer Engineering Technology - Repair, Computer Graphic Design, Computer Network Administration, Information Systems Security, Interior Design, Mechanical Engineering Technology - Robotics
ITT Technical Institutes (Louisville, KY) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Louisville, KY

Louisiana Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (StRose, LA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in StRose, LA
Herzing College - Louisiana Architectural Drafting, Computer Aided Drafting/Design

Massachusetts Architecture Schools
Porter and Chester Institute-Chicopee
ITT Technical Institutes (Boston North (Woburn), MA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Boston North (Woburn), MA
ITT Technical Institutes (Boston South (Norwood), MA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Boston South (Norwood), MA

Michigan Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Canton, MI) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Canton, MI
ITT Technical Institutes (Troy, MI) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Troy, MI
ITT Technical Institutes (Grand Rapids, MI) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Grand Rapids, MI

Minnesota Architecture Schools
Herzing College - (Minneapolis, MN) - Architectural Drafting, Computer Aided Drafting/Design
ITT Technical Institutes (Eden Prairie, MN) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Eden Prairie, MN

Missouri Architecture Schools
Vatterott College - (Kansas City) - Computer-Aided Drafting & Graphic Arts, Mechanical, Residential & Commercial CAD, AutoCAD application, Illustration, Design, & Layout, 3D Graphics
Vatterott College - Springfield - Computer-Aided Drafting & Graphic Arts, Mechanical, Residential & Commercial CAD, AutoCAD application, Illustration, Design, & Layout, 3D Graphics
ITT Technical Institutes (Arnold, MO) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Arnold, MO
ITT Technical Institutes (Earth City, MO) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Earth City, MO

Nebraska Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Omaha, NE) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Omaha, NE
ITT Technical Institutes (Omaha, NE) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Omaha, NE

Nevada Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Henderson, NV) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Henderson, NV

New Mexico Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Albuquerque, NM) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Albuquerque, NM

New York Architecture Schools
Island Drafting and Technical Institute - Amityville, NY - Computer Aided Drafting/Design and Electronic and Computer Service Technology
ITT Technical Institutes (Albany, NY) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Albany, NY
ITT Technical Institutes (Liverpool (Syracuse), NY) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Liverpool (Syracuse), NY
ITT Technical Institutes (Getzville (Buffalo), NY) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Getzville (Buffalo), NY

North Carolina Architecture Schools
The Art Institute of Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) - Architecture & CAD, Residential Design

Ohio Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Dayton, OH) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Dayton, OH
ITT Technical Institutes (Youngstown, OH) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Youngstown, OH
ITT Technical Institutes (Strongsville (Cleveland), OH) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Strongsville (Cleveland), OH
ITT Technical Institutes (Norwood (Cincinnati), OH) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Norwood (Cincinnati), OH
ITT Technical Institutes (Hilliard (Columbus), OH) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Hilliard (Columbus), OH

Oregon Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Portland, OR) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Portland, OR

Pennsylvania
* Browse Architecture Schools in Pennsylvania

South Carolina Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Greenville, SC) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Greenville, SC

Tennessee Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Nashville, TN) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Nashville, TN
ITT Technical Institutes (Memphis, TN) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Memphis, TN
ITT Technical Institutes (Knoxville, TN) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Knoxville, TN

Texas Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Houston North (Blue Ash Drive), TX) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Houston North (Blue Ash Drive), TX
ITT Technical Institutes (Houston South (Bay Area Blvd), TX) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Houston South (Bay Area Blvd), TX
ITT Technical Institutes (Houston West (South Gessner), TX) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Houston West (South Gessner), TX
ITT Technical Institutes (Richardson, TX) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Richardson, TX
ITT Technical Institutes (San Antonio, TX) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in San Antonio, TX

Utah Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Murray, UT) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Murray, UT

Virginia Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Chantilly, VA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Chantilly, VA
ITT Technical Institutes (Richmond, VA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Richmond, VA
ITT Technical Institutes (Springfield, VA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Springfield, VA
ITT Technical Institutes (Norfolk, VA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Norfolk, VA

Washington Architecture Schools
ITT Technical Institutes (Bothell (North Seattle), WA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Bothell (North Seattle), WA
ITT Technical Institutes (Seattle, WA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Seattle, WA
ITT Technical Institutes (Spokane, WA) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Spokane, WA

Wisconsin Architecture Schools
Herzing College - Wisconsin - Architectural Drafting, Computer Aided Drafting/Design
ITT Technical Institutes (Green Bay, WI) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Green Bay, WI
ITT Technical Institutes (Greenfield (Milwaukee), WI) - Architectural Drafting Program, Computer Aided Drafting Program in Greenfield (Milwaukee), WI

Architecture Schools In Canada
Herzing College (Montreal, QB) - Computer Aided Drafting and Drafting

Online Drafting & Online Architecture Schools